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You may be spoiled if you have been driving in other parts of the Southwest, or through the Rockies. There is so much natural beauty out here that it is amazing. About half of this route is really quite pretty. I'm not sure when the...More

Perhaps half of the drive is very nice & scenic views even for the driver. Eagles nest is by far the high point of the drive, the rest is thick brush & trees. Take the drive it is worth the time & effort.

This was lots of fun and great scenery. If you have driven out to the Rio Grande Bridge (which is part of the High Road) while you were in Taos I would definitely take the Low Road as the high road is more high dessert...More

This is a super pretty drive. Many places where you can pull over safely and take pictures, or hike or get close to the water. It's a curvy road that follows the river and has some huge rocks that are just gorgeous. I wouldn't want...More

Coming down from Taos back into Santa Fe, I was pleasantly surprised in finding this to be so scenic. A good portion of the drive includes paralleling the Rio Grande. The view to the right leaving Taos includes a perspective of the vastness of the...More

Not sure why this is the low road. We've taken the "high road" a number of time so want ed to check out the "low road". You do come along the Rio Grande at one point and then climb up to a great vista view...More

Head north on US 84/285 and turn right on NM 503 where the "High Road" to Taos begins. Take NM 503 to NM 76. Follow NM 76 to Chimayó, a traditional weaving village with galleries featuring work by award-winning weavers. Here... More

Head north on US 84/285 and turn right on NM 503 where the "High Road" to Taos begins. Take NM 503 to NM 76. Follow NM 76 to Chimayó, a traditional weaving village with galleries featuring work by award-winning weavers. Here you'll find the 19th-century Santuario de Chimayó, known as the "Lourdes of the Southwest". it attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, especially on Good Friday of Easter week, seeking the "miraculous dirt" on church property rumored to have healing powers.
Continue on NM 76 through the towns of Cordova, Truchas and Ojo Sarco which all have great galleries selling woodcarvings, pottery, rugs and other local arts and crafts. In Las Trampas, San Jose de Gracia de las Trampas, an 18th-century mission church, is one of New Mexico's best-preserved examples of Spanish Colonial architecture. Pick up NM 518 at Peñasco and wind your way through the Carson National Forest to US 68 at Ranchos de Taos. Here you'll see the famous San Francisco de Asis Church which has been photographed and painted by many artists. Drive into Taos and explore museums, galleries, shops, restaurants and the historic Taos Pueblo.
When you're all shopped out and ready to head back to Santa Fe, take the "Low Road". Drive on NM 68 following the Rio Grande as it drops dramatically from a broad mesa into a narrow canyon. Out the window, you may be lucky enough to see river rafters and kayakers who are often on this part of the river where several miles of churning waters offer thrilling rides. Make a quick visit to Embudo, a historic railroad stop before continuing your journey through farmland dotted with roadside stands offering seasonal chile, fruit and other locally-grown foods. Turn south on US 84/285 at Española and return to Santa Fe.